Abandoned Armenian Monastery in Northern Cyprus
Given the complex relations between Turkey and Armenia, the existence of an Armenian monastery in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is hard to imagine. Yet, there is one, and until relatively recently, it was still active.
Armenian Sourp Magar Monastery in Northern Cyprus
Sourp Magar, also known as Magaravank, is an Armenian monastery located in a wooded valley in the Beşparmak mountain range in Northern Cyprus. Magaravank stands at 530 meters and is approximately 2 km from the Alevkaya picnic area.
Sourp Magar is known for its scenic location and stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and, on clear days, the mountains of Anatolia in Turkey.
The monastery, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, was a religious center for Armenians for many centuries and served as a refuge for both clergy and laypeople. Read about the history of the monastery below.
Magaravank consists of a complex of two-story residential buildings and two small chapels located in the northeastern part of the central courtyard, standing side by side. The largest chapel, whose vault has been preserved, was built in 1814.
History of the Armenian Monastery in Northern Cyprus
Sourp Magar was founded in the early 11th century and at the time belonged to the Coptic Orthodox Church. It was presumably dedicated to Saint Macarius of Alexandria. Little is known about the Coptic history of Magaravank, but in the early 15th century, the monastery was transferred to the Armenians of Cyprus.
Armenians had long lived on Cyprus, but after the fall of the Cilician Armenian Kingdom in 1375 and after the Ottoman Empire took control of Anatolia, they increasingly migrated to Cyprus. The transfer of Sourp Magar to the Armenians was triggered by these events and the growing importance of the Armenian community in the Kingdom of Lusignan.
The Armenians retained control over Sourp Magar and its lands under Venetian and Ottoman rule. During the Ottoman era, the monastery was often called the Blue Monastery due to the color of its doors and windows. At times, the monastery was even exempt from taxes.
Restoration work was carried out in 1735 and 1814 — specifically, the larger of the two chapels was rebuilt.
Throughout its long history, Sourp Magar fulfilled a wide range of social functions, from a school and retreat for pilgrims to an orphanage and summer shelter for Armenians from Nicosia. Some people lived here permanently: a 1935 report noted that 17 people resided there.
Sourp Magar once housed a collection of manuscripts and other sacred items, but in 1947 they were transferred to the Cilician Holy See.
Sourp Magar Monastery Today
After the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974, the Armenian community could no longer stay at Sourp Magar, and the complex fell into disrepair. Nevertheless, thanks to the efforts of Armenian community MP Vartkes Mahdessian, three pilgrimages have been made there, the most recent on May 9, 2010.
At present, the monastery is gradually deteriorating, as the Armenian community has been unable to secure funding for the restoration of the complex. It is currently unguarded, which is favorable for urban explorers — you can freely enter and wander among the old buildings.
How to Get to the Armenian Monastery in Northern Cyprus
Sourp Magar Monastery is located in the Beşparmak Mountains, near Alevkaya. The map is below the text, and coordinates for drivers: 35.287282938994046, 33.52211880640175.
You cannot drive directly from the picnic area — a rusty gate blocks the road. However, it is not locked, and you can simply move it aside. If the gate is locked, you will need to walk a little under two kilometers down the road. Remember that the return journey is uphill, so bring plenty of water.
FAQs about Monasteries in Northern Cyprus
What other Armenian heritage exists in the TRNC?
In the Arabahmet district, there is the 13th-century Church of the Holy Mother of God. Today, the church is not in use, although it was restored with EU funding from 2007 to 2013.
Are there Christian churches in the TRNC?
Yes, quite a few. However, only a few are still active — for example, the Monastery of St. Andrew the Apostle in Karpas. You can read about other sites in our article on Christian churches in Northern Cyprus.
What else can you see near the monastery?
Not far from Sourp Magar is one of the three mountain castles of Northern Cyprus — Buffavento, here's our article about it. And nearby is the abandoned Church of St. John, here's the location.
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Author
Born and raised in Yekaterinburg, visited more than 40 countries, lived in the USA for some time, and in 2022, moved to Northern Cyprus. Education: Ural State University (now Ural Federal University), Faculty of Political Science and Sociology. Professional Experience: Since 2008, worked in the…